ERCOT Exits Energy Emergency Alert 2, Returns To Normal Conditions

ERCOT has exited emergency operations and returned to normal conditions as of 9:47 pm Wednesday.

ERCOT entered Emergency Operations this evening to maintain the stability of the grid. They issued an EEA 2 due to a combination of dropping operating reserves and frequency. They must always keep the frequency of the entire ERCOT grid between 60.1hz and 59.9hz. By entering EEA 2, ERCOT could utilize additional reserve resources to protect the grid’s reliability. No power outages associated with the ERCOT power grid were necessary.

“Due to low reserves and a drop in frequency, ERCOT entered directly into EEA 2. To protect the stability of the electric system, ERCOT has access to additional reserve sources only available during emergency conditions,” said Pablo Vegas, ERCOT President and CEO. “High demand, lower wind generation, and the declining solar generation during sunset led to lower operating reserves on the grid and eventually contributed to lower frequency, which precipitated the emergency level two declaration.”

Texas set a new September peak demand Wednesday of 82,705 MW, driven by extreme heat across the state.

To protect the grid, ERCOT brought all available generation online, released remaining reserves, and used demand response to lower electric demand. ERCOT also worked with out-of-state Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Market Participants to obtain additional power generation capacity. Additionally, ERCOT received Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) enforcement discretion, which allows a generator to extend its service/run-time/operations to help meet demand, if needed, to help maintain grid reliability.

If you are experiencing an outage now, it is not because of the ERCOT power grid but is local. Please check with your local electric provider for more information.

You can find more information on EEAs here.

Factors leading to tight grid conditions include:

• Heat. Continued statewide high temperatures.
• Demand. Increased demand due to the heat.
• Solar. Solar generation declines earlier in the evening hours before going offline at sunset.
• Wind. Wind generation was low this evening during peak demand time.

Critical Medical Needs Reminder

If you have medical needs, please contact your local electric utility and have a backup plan in case power reductions or controlled outages are needed later. Your local electric provider manages your area’s power reduction or controlled outages.

What can You do?

If it is safe, you can use these energy-saving tips to lower your electric use during this peak demand time. Simple steps such as lowering/raising your thermostat a degree or two, turning off extra lights, and not using large appliances such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers can help.

Record Peak Demand

• Today, ERCOT set a new September peak record of 82,705 MW. Last September, the highest demand recorded was 72,370 MW. That is a difference of 10,335 MW in a year.
• ERCOT set an all-time peak demand record of 85,435 MW on August 10.
• This summer, ERCOT has set ten new all-time peak demand records.

Stay Updated

• Subscribe to ERCOT EmergencyAlerts, automated notices only sent under emergency conditions.
• Sign up for TXANS notifications on the TXANS webpage to receive additional information.
• Download our app (available through the Apple Store or Google Play)
• Monitor current and extended conditions on our website at ERCOT.com
• Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO), Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), and LinkedIn (ERCOT).

Consumer Assistance

• Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline: 1-888-782-8477
• Office of Public Utility Counsel Consumer Assistance: 1-877-839-0363